Edified Generation Rwanda is a non-profit organization working to improve the lives of children from low-income households through empowerment and education. Their current project is an essay or short story contest for school-aged youths, with COVID-19 being the theme. It is a pivotal time in the world right now and writing about this destructive disease will help kids learn and understand what is happening to all of us. Winners will receive prizes, including paid school tuition, school supplies, a laptop and, publication and exhibition during International Reading Month in September.

There are many benefits to writing and is highly encouraged in school. It has shown to improve reading skills, communication, focus and knowledge. This is why Grace Rwanda is happy to support many school and library essay contests throughout Rwanda. We want to continue to support educating the younger generation to prepare them for life as well-informed, productive adults.

Grace Rwanda, in partnership with Ineza Foundation, continues to bring books to community libraries in Rwanda to increase a reading culture with more resources and availability to both children and adults.

Grace Rwanda’s mission is to instill a culture of reading and writing in Rwanda among children so they can grow up to be an integral part of the international community. Without your help, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish the goals we have set. Thank you!

The library, which was completely funded by Book Aid International, started out as a shipping container that was brought to Rwanda from Canada by Grace Rwanda in the spring. After many, many obstacles, the container finally found a home in the mudugudu (village) of Gasave. Once completed, the library can hold up to 5000 books – 4500 in English and other languages and another 500 in the local language of Kinyarwanda. There is also a wonderful area for a children’s reading corner and outside benches and tables that can seat up to 50 people.

There were many important guests who made the trip to be at the opening ceremonies :

• The Vice Mayor of Social Affairs Gasabo District
• Representative of the Minister of Education
• Representative of the Ministry of Sports & Culture
• A Rwanda Language & Culture Representative
• Chairman of Rwanda Writers Federation
• Representative of Rwanda Publisher’s Association
• Representative of the police of Gisozi
• Executive Secretary of Gisozi Sector
• Chief of Gasave Mudugudu
• A board member of Grace Rwanda from Canada
• Rwandan Community Library Forum

But most importantly, there were students from the local elementary a high schools plus many Gisozi residents.

The ceremonies started with some traditional dancing from the Dance Troupe Amaliza of Gisozi – children who are part of the Ineza Sunday school and reading club. They were taught by the mothers who are a part of the Blessing Women’s Group, where they learn many useful skills such as sewing, crafts, and business skills for job creation.

After the dancing, several of the guests made speeches thanking Grace Rwanda/Ineza Foundation for their hard work getting the library up and operational through local and international partnerships, as well as encouraging the students and community guests to use the library and continue reading and learning.

After the guests spoke, the top 10 students from three local schools were congratulated and given prizes for their reading/writing competition speeches. The theme of this years’ competition was “reading and writing in different languages is a source of knowledge.”

Finally, once all this is over, it is time for the grand tour of their new library.

In order for the librarians to be able to participate in this beneficial workshop, they will require the funds necessary for their travel, food, and lodging. With your generous support, Grace Rwanda will be able to help them learn new skills that will benefit all Rwandans. Please go to our donate page and help out – no amount is too small!! Thank you everyone for your generous support!

No matter the weather, the team was ready to load up!!

Here is a beautiful video of Christmas in Rwanda  taken in the amazing capital city of Kigali.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported our work in Rwanda. With your generous support we have achieved so much, including:

• 25,000+ books were received from UK thanks to Book Aid International
• 35,000 books have been distributed into community libraries
• 34 women graduated from Work For Life entrepreneurship training and are ready for new businesses

• 3 children’s reading corners are serving 500 children & youth a week

• 23 new community libraries were completed serving 1,200 children daily in 20 districts

• 2 containers were shipped to Rwanda, with one in the process of being loaded in the spring of 2019
• 500 Women’s Monthly Hygienic Recyclable Kits are in use in Rwanda, with 500 Days for Girls sample kits ready to be shipped out in 2019
• 38 community librarians were trained for ongoing librarian management

• 1,800 soccer jerseys were distributed to 100 youth teams

Please help these wonderful children continue to enjoy the wonders of reading!!

The founder of Rulindo soccer center, coach Crallene, helps with coaching the kids.

A volunteer from Japan helps with the sports day.  The kids enjoy touching her hair and being carried like a baby on her back!!

As you can see, the Sunday services are still going strong and growing week by week.

A cover was made for the front of the building so that everyone stays safe rain or shine!!